February 05, 2011

Delphi announced that its OE quality fuel products are compatible with the new E15 measure approved last Friday by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to increase the amount of ethanol currently blended in fuel from 10 percent to 15 percent for all light-duty vehicles built in the last decade. This includes approximately 166 SKUs covering 32 million vehicles from 2001 to current model year. Due to Delphi's stringent original equipment (OE) validation testing, its fuel pumps can accept up to 20 percent ethanol (E20) for those model years.

"The fact that we are working on these technologies for current and future platforms for global OEMs, we are prepared to quickly meet changes in government regulations such as the E15 measure in the aftermarket," said Frank Ordoñez, president, Delphi Product & Service Solutions. "Delivering green technologies to consumers is a main strategic focus for Delphi; through the vehicle manufacturers and the aftermarket. Key drivers in developing these technologies are increased vehicle performance, better fuel economy and maintaining emissions regulations for all fuel types."

Delphi has a long history developing ethanol-friendly components for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). In the United States, Delphi has supplied E85-compatible technology to more than two million vehicles and has delivered E15 compatible fuel pumps to General Motors since 1992, and in South America, Delphi has produced systems and components for more than 430,000 ethanol compatible vehicles since 1991. In fact, Delphi's gasoline fuel injection systems sold worldwide have been upgraded to deliver 100,000 mile plus durability on E25, even with realistic levels of impurities.

Durability testing is critical with ethanol due to its corrosive qualities. Whether it's engineered and designed for OE production or an aftermarket application, every Delphi part must adhere to the company's global technical requirements. Delphi engineers carry out dimensional analysis to ensure geometric compatibility between the OE and aftermarket product, together with stringent analysis of the chemical composition and mechanical properties of the materials used. Further product testing is employed during the manufacturing process including material and dimensional checks, crack detection, and corrosion testing.

"In the aftermarket, collaboration with our OE colleagues ensures our OE engineering and high quality standards go into every one of our parts produced," said Ordoñez. "And with more than 80 percent fuel coverage, Delphi continues to lead the industry with OE technology on all of its fuel pumps and modules."